FOR RELEASE CONTACT
6/23/2011 Press office
(609) 847-3500

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) on Thursday evening announced an agreement has been reached to remove the out-of-state hospital provision included in the pension and benefits reform bill.

The Assembly will vote tonight and the Senate will concur on Monday to delete the hospital provision by amending legislation (S-2959/A-4162) that had already been introduced to revise the language.

The legislative leaders released the following statements:

Sweeney:

"The most important thing has always been to pass a bill that is fair to both public employees and taxpayers. We will still achieve that goal."

Oliver:

"After very lengthy discussions, it was clear that this provision is a genuine concern amongst the members of my caucus. Removing this provision is the best way to move forward. The goal of protecting taxpayers and public workers remains intact."